UK star Carl Frampton made the first defense of the IBF junior featherweight title with a 5th round stoppage over brave mandatory challenger Chris Avalos in front of a sold out crowd of nearly 10,000 at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

The 28-year old Frampton (20-0, 14 KO’s) largely controlled the action against Avalos (25-3, 19 KO’s), who brought a six-fight winning streak into the ring with him prior to the defeat.
Frampton broke through with a big right hand in the fifth round that signaled the beginning of the end for Avalos, as a follow up volley rocked the American and prompted a stoagge from referee Howard Foster to call a halt to the action.

“It’s unbelievable,” said Frampton of his showcase performance. “This place is my home. I knock out people when I fight here.”

Many are hoping for Frampton to face off with WBA champion and countryman Scott Quigg in a huge domestic showdown.